Fishing & Diving in Northland

Bream Bay and Mangawhai have great shore and boat fishing, as well as diving. In fact, Bream Bay was so named (by Captain Cook) for its abundance of Bream – or, as we call it in New Zealand, Snapper.

A reef runs right along the beach, approximately 800 metres off-shore. Take a small boat or a kayak and reap the rewards of fishing at the reef. Long lining and kite fishing from shore are also very popular activities in Northland.

The Mangawhai estuary provides mullet, parore, flounder, sprat, the occasional pan sized snapper, and kahawai. There are cockles on the estuary mudflats and pipi further up the Whangarei Harbour.

Coastal diving around Bream Tail is ideal for spear-fishing and cray-fishing. McGregor Rock off Breamtail Tail sits in 27m of water, rising within 11m of the surface. Our Waipu Cove holiday park’s BBQs are the perfect way to cook your catch!

Lying 22 kilometres offshore from Bream Bay, the Hen and Chicken Islands are renowned for their abundance of fish and crayfish and are known as one of Northlands best fishing and diving attractions. Our Waipu Cove camping ground offers great accommodation for groups visiting the Hen and Chickens. With visibility in excess of 20 metres, this is a truly magic diving destination. The Hen and Chicken Islands also offer first-class light-tackle sport fishing. Dive or dredge for handfuls of mouth-watering scallops, or head just five kilometres up the beach to the river mouth for mussels and oysters.

Northland Charters
There are several professional charter operators in the area, who can take you out for a great day’s fishing, diving or just sightseeing. With such abundance of fish in these waters, you’re bound to come back to camp with some fresh seafood!

Come and explore some of the best fishing and diving in the world right here in Bream Bay, aboard Ridgeback charters new purpose built 8 metre Senator boat. Gordon and crew will transport you quickly and safely to all the best fishing and diving spots that Bream Bay has to offer. If you’d like to book a charter with Ridgeback charters, talk to us during your stay at our Waipu Cove accommodation, or click here to contact Camp Waipu Cove online.

Please make sure you're up to date on local fishing rules/guidelines. Ask at reception if you would like further information about fishing in Northland.

Boat Ramps close to Camp Waipu Cove
The concrete boat ramp at the end of Alamar Crescent in Mangawhai can be used at all times. Waipu Boat Club have a boat ramp (on Nova Scotia Drive), and both Waipu Cove and Langs beaches have beach access ramps.

Keys for the Waipu Cove boat ramp can be hired/purchased from the office at Camp Waipu Cove.